Quote:
Originally posted by fahrgewehr
Why do you think that a diesel engine will last longer? I am not an engineer, but I see no reason as to why the diesel engine will last longer than a gas engine. Diesels have a reputation for running up high mileages, but that is usually because they are purachased by those who travel a lot of miles, and therefore want low fuel consumption.
A diesel engine IS built more ruggedly, but because the compression ratio is more than twice that of a gasoline engine, I would think that the durability of both designs would be about equal.
I see posts on this board about 240 and 300 (617) engines having low compression and needing rebuilding all the time. When you have 70 or so HP pushing 3500lbs of auto around with 21:1 compression ration, the engine is going to be very stressed, no?
I would pick an m117 (450,560) gas(hog) against any diesel of the same era in a longevity comparison.
Mike
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Sorry, but the facts disagree with you. Because diesels are built to more exacting standards, and mechanically stronger, they DO last longer...Much longer. It's not at all uncommon to see diesel engines in trucks of all kinds, and cars (except early GM) last for 300,000...600,000...900,000 miles and more, before being rebuilt. Although some gas engines reach those numbers, it's highly unusual.
And per-mile operating costs are lower overall...Diesels make more power-per-unit of fuel than a comperably-sized gas engine, and there are no "tune-ups", per se...No spark plugs, no points, no spark timing, no spark plug wires, less emissions equipment, etc...
I love a big, fast gas-powered car too...But overall diesels DO last much longer, and cost less over the life of the vehicle. There's a reason almost all big-rig trucks, public busses, tow trucks, delivery trucks, dump trucks, construction equipment, generators, etc. use diesel engines. Durability and reliability and economy.
Mike